OLYMPIA – Dec. 9, 2014 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is seeking public comment on a draft policy related to non-recreational motorized vehicle use of State Parks long-distance trails.
State Parks has scheduled two public workshops next week – one in Eastern Washington and one in Western Washington:
- In Ellensburg: The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Hal Holmes Center, 209 N. Ruby St., Ellensburg.
- In Chehalis: The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 S.W. Veterans Way, Chehalis.
Washington State Parks manages five long-distance recreation trails in various parts of the state. The agency has received a number of requests from landowners who would like to drive their motorized vehicles on these former rail lines in order to facilitate agricultural activities on their adjacent lands.
In response, State Parks developed a draft policy intended to address when and how to permit this agriculture-related motorized use. The purpose of the workshops is to get feedback on the draft policy and to gather public input to be considered in development of a final policy. The draft policy is available for viewing online at www.parks.wa.gov/894/Motorized-Use-of-Long-Distance-Trails. Public comment may be made online or via e-mail to planning@parks.wa.gov. The extended deadline for comments is Dec. 19. Questions or comments can be directed to Parks Planner Nikki Fields at 360-902-8658.
The Commission is expected to consider adoption of a final policy at its regular meeting Jan. 29, 2015, in Olympia.
State Parks’ long-distance trails are the John Wayne Pioneer Trail that runs between Cedar Falls and the Columbia River; Willapa Hills Trail, from Chehalis to Raymond; Columbia Plateau Trail between Fish Lake near Cheney and Ice Harbor Dam near the Tri-Cities; Klickitat Trail, from Lyle north and east 30 miles; and the Spokane Centennial Trail that runs through Riverside State Park at Spokane to the Idaho border.
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
Nikki Fields, (360) 902-8658
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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